The thought of ageing is a scary concept for many of us. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about the beauty of youth, and the concept of old age is regarded by many as a time for dependency and losing the ability to enjoy the things one previously loved.
The way we age however, is heavily shaped by our perceptions around ageing.
Research in the field of positive psychology is extending to examine well-being during old age. Research by psychologist Carol Ryff describes the most important criteria for being well adjusted during old age as:
- Being socially responsible and interested in others
- Having the capacity to accept change
- Being compassionate, caring and responsive to others
Harvard Professor of Psychiatry, Dr George Vaillant, in his book Positive Ageing, conducted research which followed 824 people for 60 years, from teen years to becoming grandparents! Based on this, Valliant outlines several predictors, which if adhered to before the age of 50, can lead to good physical and mental health at ages 70, 80 and beyond:
- Positive relationships, including a good marriage
- Alcohol used in moderation only
- Creativity and playfulness
- Learning to make younger friends and form new relationships as older friends are lost
- Pursuing education and achievement
- Ability to find creative ways to cope with difficult situations
- Altruistic behaviour
- Staying physically active
- Being a non-smoker
- Having a healthy weight
Some amazing research was done by Ellen Langer, Harvard Psychology Profession, in her “Counter Clockwise” study. Dr Langer had elderly men in their 70’s and 80’s attend a one week retreat where they were required to live like it was 1959!! The study involved the men reading only material from the time of 1959 or before, discussing the politics of the time and writing letters as their younger selves in 1959 to share with the other participants. At the end of the study, the men were evaluated as appearing taller, having better posture, having higher scores on intelligence tests and being perceived as younger by others viewing photographs of them. The researcher, Dr Langer, even reported that at the end of the week she was playing football with elderly men who had previously been walking with canes!! Some of the men who had been dependent on family members to help them with many activities of daily living were functioning independently during the retreat, including helping with meals and tidying up.
What amazing evidence to show that having a “young” mindset can have massive impacts of the physical body!!
Will you continue to maintain a “young” mind as you age? Do you have grandparents/parents/friends/relatives who have achieved amazing things in their old age? I would love to hear your stories!!
